What Was Signed at the Royal Cornwall Show Could Shape the Future of the Countryside

New agreement aims to boost rural voices on key national issues

Cornwall Council, on behalf of Britain’s Leading Edge, has signed a new agreement with the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) to strengthen cooperation on rural priorities. The agreement was signed at the Royal Cornwall Show on 7th June 2025.

It sets out plans for closer collaboration on topics including renewable energy, resilient food supply, biodiversity, devolution and rural economic growth.

Partnership to amplify rural voices

Councillor Adam Paynter, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council, signed the agreement on behalf of Britain’s Leading Edge. He was joined by CLA President Victoria Vyvyan.

Adam said:
“This agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to championing rural communities and businesses across the UK.

“By working together, we can make sure that government understands the unique challenges and opportunities faced by places like Cornwall and the people whose lives and livelihoods are impacted by policy set in London.

“I am delighted that this partnership will help us bring a stronger, collective voice on critical issues like renewable energy, farming, and the visitor economy.”

A call to unlock the countryside’s potential

Victoria said rural areas face very real economic challenges, but with the right support, could offer much more to the national economy.

“Rural local authorities have vast economic, environmental and social potential but they also face very distinctive challenges,” she said.

“The rural economy is 16 per cent less productive than the national average. If you close that gap, up to £43bn could be added to the Gross Value Added (GVA) of England alone.

“If the rural economy is to succeed, it is important for our voices to be heard, and one of the ways we can achieve this is by working in partnership. It is for this reason why the Country Land and Business Association has signed an agreement with Britain’s Leading Edge – a nationwide initiative which originated in Cornwall.

“By combining our knowledge, we can push for change and remove the barriers to economic growth that exist in the countryside. As an organisation, our aim is to help unlock the potential of the rural economy. We are delighted to show our support for Britain’s Leading Edge as it highlights the contribution that rural regions can make to a sustainable economy.”

Ongoing work planned

The agreement sets out shared areas of interest including food security, planning and infrastructure, nature and the visitor economy. It commits both organisations to regular meetings and evidence-based policy work to support rural communities.

Britain’s Leading Edge is a group of rural councils working to attract more investment and attention to areas often overlooked by Westminster. The Country Land and Business Association represents thousands of landowners, farmers and rural businesses across England and Wales.